Early CDN transport

servicepub (RIP) · #1 26-11-05, 04:09

Early transort used by 1st Canadian Infantry Divison when the Division was ordered to France.

http://www.servicepub.com/images/1divmob.jpg

Richard Farrant · #2 26-11-05, 12:23

Quote:

Originally posted by servicepub
Early transort used by 1st Canadian Infantry Divison when the Division was ordered to France.

The nearest vehicle, the Woodie, looks like a Canadian Ford, I think that the census number can just be seen on thr bumper, "CM........". The next truck would appear to be a civvy Morris Commercial tipper, possibly a NV model and most probably impressed. The 15cwt in front of that is a Bedford MW.

Richard

Bill Murray · #3 26-11-05, 13:44

Hi Clive:
Thanks for the most interesting photo.

The wagon is a Ford and for the moment I cannot say which year but is probably a 39 or 40. I need to find some more rear shots as I think I recall the spare was mounted inside on some years.

The sedan is also a Ford either 35 or 36. When I have time to put the photo in my editing program I can get closer.

The two panel vans would seem to be either Chevs or GMCs.

This subject would make an interesting continuing thread if there is more materiel out there. I know there were several similar photos posted earlier but my searches did not find them.
Regards
Bill

John McGillivray · #4 26-11-05, 15:26

Here is a photo from John Gilbert’s book “Bloody Buron! Canada’s D-Day + 1”. It shows the Sherbrooke Fusilier Regiment on parade in Sherbrooke Quebec in early 1941. What type of trucks are shown?

Bill Murray · #5 26-11-05, 15:54

Great Shot!!!
The trucks are all 1941 Fords except #3 which, of all things, looks to me like one of the CMP prototypes but I am probably wrong.
The car looks like a 1935 Plymouth.
Edit: The first two Fords look like one tonners, a rare model even in the US. The others look like 1 1/2 tonners.
Regards
Bill

servicepub (RIP) · #6 26-11-05, 18:00

From the same series on the 1st Cdn Div

http://www.servicepub.com/images/trucka.jpg

Richard Farrant · #7 26-11-05, 19:15

Quote:

Originally posted by servicepub
From the same series on the 1st Cdn Div

Clive,

This is an Austin K3 3 tonner, they were only introduced in 1939 and that one looks to be an impressed one as the body is not typical WD style, also no census number on it.

Actually after a second look, I think the body sides have been hastily made on a flat platform body. A good deal of the transport in France and Belgium in 39-40 was impressed, some still bearing the previous owners names.

Richard

Hanno Spoelstra · #8 28-11-05, 15:56

Quote:

Originally posted by servicepub
Early transort used by 1st Canadian Infantry Divison when the Division was ordered to France.

Great pic, Clive! We need more of these!

Related thread: CMPs first used in action: June 1940, France

H.

Hanno Spoelstra · #9 28-11-05, 16:13

Quote:

Originally posted by Bill Murray
The wagon is a Ford and for the moment I cannot say which year but is probably a 39 or 40. I need to find some more rear shots as I think I recall the spare was mounted inside on some years.

The 1940 Ford 79A Standard Station Wagon shown below is one of a number of Wagons acquired for "domestic use" (i.e. in Canada). As far as I can tell these were civilian Wagons with left-hand drive, the only thing military about them was the camouflage scheme. I wonder if these Wagons for domestic use were shipped to the UK as well, or if they had the time to ship "proper" RHD ones.

Linked from 1940 location recognised?

Hanno Spoelstra · #10 28-11-05, 16:21

Quote:

Originally posted by Bill Murray
Great Shot!!!
The trucks are all 1941 Fords except #3 which, of all things, looks to me like one of the CMP prototypes but I am probably wrong.

Edit: The first two Fords look like one tonners, a rare model even in the US. The others look like 1 1/2 tonners.

Totally agree, Bill!

The Ford Tonners(?) are fitted with the 2A1 15-cwt GS body as fitted to early CMP 15-cwt trucks, and very similar to the contemporary British WD design as found on Morris-Commercial and Bedford trucks. I have never seen this combination before, a unique picture.
Any more where this one came from, John?

The third truck is definitely a CMP prototype, compare with pics shown in CMP prototype photos wanted please.

H.

David_Hayward (RIP) · #11 28-11-05, 22:36

The third truck is definitely a 1938 Chevrolet Model 1531 15-cwt G/S, of which five were issued to D Coy, RCR, Quebec, and three to the 22eme. Regiment. The latter had final regos F488/489/491 and were initially in Quebec City, PQ. I have the DND numbers and serial numbers. That's another '38 we know of now...I am always interested in finding what happened to them and also the two '35 Armoured Cars.

David_Hayward (RIP) · #12 28-11-05, 22:46

The amazing top pic shows what I believe are two Chevrolet Model 1425 1-ton Panel Vans. Serial # 014250128 was demobbed and sold in 1946. There were a number of 1543 30-cwt. chassis/cabs imported and sold on the civvy market new in 1940 and supplemented by WA/WB trucks imported from Tarrytown, NY Plant. Both of these types were also used by the British forces.

I suspect that the wagon was assembled in Aldershot although the panel vans would have been imported and painted in the CMD, Southampton, a few clicks away from me. We know that the Canadian forces had Bedford MWs, as well as F15s, possibly C15s, assembled in Southampton. There were I believe some MCC trucks 'sold' through the High Commission along with other types...for much-needed $$$! As you know after the return of the 1st Division to England, the 50 F15s having been left behind, they were issued with British vehicles as replacements.

I for one would appreciate many more photos of the time. Thank you for posting.

John McGillivray · #13 29-11-05, 03:05

Quote:

Originally posted by Hanno Spoelstra
Any more where this one came from, John?

That was the only photo showing the early trucks in John Gilbert’s book.

I have always found the following strange. It is from the war diary of 2FD Regt. RCA.

05/04/40 Received Code names for units in 1st Division. Also received 2 Morris Commercial “Portees” a Motor vehicle with only a Cab mounted on the frame. We will be using them in training for hauling the guns and trailers. They are of no use to us for anything else.

11/04/40 Frosty and cold early morning. The 1st and 2nd Field Regiment have pooled their vehicles for …maneuvers. Received a new Ford V8 Station Wagon today from Ordnance and a Morris Portee from 48th Highlanders.

22/04/40 3 Portees received back from Engineers today where they were having seats placed on the rear for transporting troops.

servicepub (RIP) · #14 29-11-05, 03:12

One of three

Signals Van

2 of 3

3 of 3

David_Hayward (RIP) · #15 29-11-05, 08:48

My identificationn of CMP types is and always will be appalling: which model is the Chevy please? C15? If it is indeed 1940 then it's a Southampton-assembled truck and thus of especial interest for my history archive. Is the photo available please Clive?

The MCC trucks I assume are C.S.8T chassis with the original Cavalry Portee bodies.